Friday, December 17, 2010

Christmas Countdown: Day 5: Interview w/ Amy Holder + Giveaway

For Day 4, I have an interview with one of the sweetest authors around! You know who she is? You don't? You do?

Amy Holder is one of the Elevensies. Her debut novel, The Lipstick Laws will be released on April 4, 2011!

What or who inspired you to write The Lipstick Laws? Why?

I wanted to write an entertaining story that highlights the ups and downs of teenage years and high school.  Believe me, I had plenty of them to gain inspiration from.  I've also always been fascinated by the dynamics of social hierarchies and how fragile they are, so I wanted to highlight that in the story as well.  

What lessons will readers pick up from your book?

First and foremost, I hope readers will have some laughs and be entertained while reading my book.  That was my main goal when I wrote it. As for lessons, I also hope readers will feel empowered by April's story to stand up to bullies and be less prone to popularity pressures, and less judgmental of themselves and others.

Why do you write for teens?

Teen years are such a pivotal point in everyone's life.  They're filled with good times and bad, angst and excitement, confusion and invincibility, growth and changes... and I don't think there's a more interesting period of time that I could write about. Not to mention, I never lost my inner teen voice.

How do you prepare for Christmas?

I watch the movie Elf and A Christmas Story at least 975 times... and I consume enough sugar to keep me running on a holiday sugar high for the whole month of December. This leads to overly efficient gift wrapping, Christmas cookie baking & frosting, and other important elf-like duties.  I also do most of my Christmas shopping in November, so I can enjoy the holiday season instead of fighting crowds at the mall.

As an author/writer, are you doing something special this Christmas?

I've been asked to be a part of several holiday blog events (including yours, thank you!!), which I think is pretty special and cool.  I'm also hoping that the excitement of the holiday will propel me to finish up the last bit of my WIP.  On the non-writing front, I plan on celebrating Christmas with my family at my parents' house.

Does your family have a Christmas tradition?

Growing up, we had so many Christmas traditions.  Some of my favorites were making sugar cookies with my mom, my father reading 'Twas the Night Before Christmas on every Christmas Eve, opening one present before we went to bed on Christmas Eve, my grandmother sleeping over on Christmas Eve, staying up all night to wake my poor exhausted parents up at the crack of dawn, and "Santa" color coordinating my siblings' and my presents.

Do you take advantage of the Christmas vacation and write?

Yes, I try to!  In fact, I finished my first draft of The Lipstick Laws over my 2008 holiday break.  I'm hoping this holiday season will be as productive.

As a writer, do you think it would be better to gift books for Christmas? why? Have you ever done this before?

I'm totally biased because I am a book-buying addict. I LOVE to both give and receive books.  I'd say that more than half of my holiday wish list every year is always books.  And, in turn, plenty of friends and family members will get a book or two from me. I mean, what's better than a brand new, crisp book for Christmas?  I know plenty of people who might say a designer handbag or a car...but I think otherwise...unless it's a Maserati that I could pawn off for even more books.

If you were to gift one book to any person, what book would it be?

I think a holiday classic like A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens would be a nice gift, especially if it's a collector's edition that would look extra pretty on a bookshelf. 

Thank you Amy! And yes, the cute picture on the right of a little girl with the present is Amy when she was young!
__________________________________________________________


The Lipstick Laws Giveaway (Contest Closed!)


A big thank you to Amy who offered a signed finished copy of The Lipstick Laws and swag to one lucky winner! Do remember that the prize is a finished copy, it will be sent to the winner around March-April!


Contest Rules:


Must be a follower.
Comment with your email address!
Open Internationally.
Ends on January 3, 2011.


Extra Entries (if you like - not required):


Spread the word:
+2 Twitter (please leave direct link)
+2 Sidebar
+4 Blog Post
+3 Posted Christmas Countdown Button on your sidebar
+2 Follow Amaterasu Reads

Missed the other posts? Check here to see the line-up of posts for the event!
We're giving away The Other Side of Dark by Sarah Smith, Picture of the Dead by Adele Griffin, Prophecy of Days by Christy Raedake and Tell Me a Secret by Holly Cupala!









48 comments:

  1. She really does seem like such a sweet person. Count me in for the contest. kateva11(at)yahoo(dot)com(dot)ph

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hello, Im a follower.

    Stacy
    Chllybrd(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  3. As a fellow Elevensie and class of 2k11 member, I can tell you Amy is a class act. So excited for you!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great interview! Thanks for the contest. I really can't wait to read this one.

    +2 Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/cc9309/status/15754107906166784
    +2 Sidebar http://wordsonpaperya.blogspot.com
    +3 Posted Christmas Countdown Button on your sidebar
    +2 Follow Amaterasu Reads

    Total: 9 entries

    cc932005 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm a GFC follower (Lexie@BookBug)
    +2 Tweeted at http://twitter.com/#!/LexieBookBug/status/15805058830573570
    +3 Posted button on my blog at http://thebookbug-hogan.blogspot.com/
    +2 Follow Amateaurasu blog

    lexie.bookbug(AT)gmail(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
  6. +2 Follow Amaterasu Reads
    Thanks so much!
    texas_gal45(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks for the awesome giveaway! My email is AmberInBlunderland@yahoo.com.

    +2 for following Amaterasu Reads
    +2 for putting this contest on my sidebar (http://amberinblunderland.blogspot.com/)
    =4

    ReplyDelete
  8. Fabulous!!

    +2 follower amaterasu

    Vivien
    deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  9. I have a picture similar to that, but mine was floral, lol :)

    +2 Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/YearofTiger86/status/15837638044950528
    +4 Blog: http://krysykat.livejournal.com/4258.html
    +3 Christmas countdown sidebar: http://krysykat.livejournal.com/
    +2 follower of Amaterasu Reads

    Morganlafey86@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks for the giveaway!
    +2 follow Amaterasu Reads
    +3 Button http://friendlyreaderohyeah.blogspot.com/
    -Danna
    adannabanana@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. 2 Sidebar
    http://kayaloves.blogspot.com/

    +4 Blog Post
    http://kayaloves.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-countdown-13-books-to-gift.html

    +3 Posted Christmas Countdown Button on your sidebar

    http://kayaloves.blogspot.com/

    +2 Follow Amaterasu Reads

    Yes.

    k_anon[at]hotmail[dot]co[dot]uk

    ReplyDelete
  12. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thanks!!
    +2 Sidebar http://fifteenaintsosweet.blogspot.com/
    +3 Posted Christmas Countdown Button on your sidebar http://fifteenaintsosweet.blogspot.com/
    +2 Follow Amaterasu Reads

    sauvadeavelle at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thanks for the interview and giveaway. I like her choice of the best book to give at Christmas.
    I am a follower
    +2 follower of Amaterasu Reads
    +2 twitter:
    http://twitter.com/lulilut/status/15941120701763584
    d.septer at insightbb.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Love how she prepares for Christmas! And aww, Little Amy was too cute :D I can't wait to read The Lipstick Laws!

    +2 Tweeted - http://twitter.com/#!/peacelovebooksx/status/15948842558033921
    +2 Follow Amaterasu Reads

    Thanks!
    hanging.by.a.moment_@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. I really enjoyed the interview, thanks for a great giveaway :)

    I'm following via GFC as Jasmine1485

    Kate1485 at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. That picture is so cute!

    I'd love that my family were as you and they would give my books as Christmas gifts! I always end with more clothes, but I guess that ok :D

    Follower
    magabygc@ gmail.com


    +2 Tweet http://twitter.com/#!/magabygc/status/16190207611117569
    +3 Posted Christmas Countdown Button on my sidebar http://oh-my-books.blogspot.com
    +2 Follow Amaterasu Reads

    ReplyDelete
  18. I've been away from the blog world for awhile. I didn't know it was coming out in April! So excited for her. I feel lucky, so put me in your contest. mzzlily(at)live(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Yay for Amy! This was such a fun interview with her, and I love the picture.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Xmas Countdown Day 7 - extra entry
    twitter:
    http://twitter.com/lulilut/status/16536639971004418
    Thanks!
    d.septer at insightbb.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. +2 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/16690796065456128

    +2 Follow Amaterasu Reads

    I follow on GFC.
    (\___/)
    (='.'=)
    (")_(")

    alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
    http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. hollytaylor(AT)optusnet.com.au
    new follower
    tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/hollyy___x/status/17104675534807040

    ReplyDelete
  23. This interview is so interesting! Thanks for posting it on your blog!

    +2 Twitter
    http://twitter.com/aikchien/status/17141015802552320

    +2 sidebar
    http://the-bookaholics.blogspot.com

    +4 blog post
    http://the-bookaholics.blogspot.com/p/contests-giveaways.html

    +3 Post the Christmas Countdown blog button on your sidebar
    http://the-bookaholics.blogspot.com/p/contests-giveaways.html

    +2 Follow Amaterasu Reads

    ReplyDelete
  24. I've read this book and it was great! I would love a copy of it! :)

    Spread the word:
    +2 Twitter: http://twitter.com/ivyreads/status/17260818760470528
    +2 sidebar: http://ivyreads.blogspot.com
    +3 Post the Christmas Countdown blog button on your sidebar: http://ivyreads.blogspot.com
    +2 Follow Amaterasu Reads: Ivy

    Thanks!!
    ivykiddo[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  25. Great interview. i'd love to win.
    +2 Follow Amaterasu Reads

    jlynettes @ hotmail . com

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thanks:)

    +2 Follow Amaterasu Reads

    karol_ina08(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  27. Great interview! I want to read this book.

    +2 Follow Amaterasu Reads

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    minas_1989(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  28. LOve the cover should be a great book to read

    +2 I follow Amaterasu Reads too
    +2 Tweeted: http://twitter.com/khyla_rahchelle/status/17733204186234881

    khyla_808ATyahooDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  29. I am GFC follower (Aleetha)

    +2 Sidebar
    http://bacaan-ally.blogspot.com

    +4 Blog Post
    http://bacaan-ally.blogspot.com/p/giveaway-links.html

    +3 Posted Christmas Countdown Button on your sidebar
    http://bacaan-ally.blogspot.com

    +2 Follow Amaterasu Reads
    GFC Follower: Aleetha

    aleetha.ally at gmail dot com

    Thanks for the giveaway

    ReplyDelete
  30. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  31. That cover looks so awesome.
    http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=833383111

    ReplyDelete
  32. great interview!

    +2 Follow Amaterasu Reads
    +2 tweet http://twitter.com/vampficionada/status/18020107800281088

    jessica b
    jecca.0104[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  33. This looks like a great read!

    +3 button: homebetweenpages.blogspot.com
    +2 follow Amaterasu Reads

    soccer_pam[at]hotmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  34. Ooh! I love love this book! Thanks for the giveaway! :)

    +2 Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/girlaboutbooks/status/18458050612432896
    +4 Blog post:http://girlaboutbooks.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-countdown-giveaway.html
    +3 Button on Sidebar
    +2 Amaterasu Reads Follower

    Total of 11 entries :)

    girlaboutbooks(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  35. Please enter me,too!

    +2 Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/Dazzlamb/status/18809196732481536
    +3 Posted Christmas Countdown Button on your sidebar http://misspageturnerscityofbooks.blogspot.com/
    +2 Follow Amaterasu Reads

    Total= 7

    goldie-mail(AT)web(DOT)de

    ReplyDelete
  36. Hey please enter me,too:)

    +2 Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/Dazzlamb/status/18809196732481536
    +3 Sidebar http://misspageturnerscityofbooks.blogspot.com/
    +2 Follow Amaterasu Reads

    Total: 7

    goldie-mail(AT)web(DOT)de

    ReplyDelete
  37. What a great xmas present to yourself, finishing a novel! Wow, very impressive. I should do that,too. Hm...2 weeks left,enough time to write a novel? I fear not:DSo I'll stick with buying them as presents! The best there can be, beside self-made presents:)

    ReplyDelete
  38. Great interview. Sounds like its going to be a good book as well. So cool to see such good stuff coming out in 2011.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Wow...What a lips :)

    count me in !

    +2 Twitter : http://twitter.com/#!/becunique/status/19593208157708289

    +2 Follow Amaterasu Reads

    uniquas at ymail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  40. THANK-YOU for this giveaway!

    Follower - Badass Bookie

    +2 Tweet - http://twitter.com/#!/BadassBookie/status/19670940723978240
    +2 Sidebar - http://badassbookie.blogspot.com/
    +3 Countdown button - http://badassbookie.blogspot.com/
    +2 Follow Amaterasu Reads

    Total extra entries - 9

    callmeghostgirl@yahoo.com.au

    ReplyDelete
  41. Another great book! Thank you so much !


    +3 Posted Christmas Countdown Button on my sidebar
    http://pisisbook.blogspot.com
    +2 Follow Amaterasu Reads (GFC Name : Pisinat)

    pisisbook[at]hotmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  42. I'm a follower...fingers crossed.

    luarroyave(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  43. This is on my TBR list for 2011. Can't wait for it.

    fireflybookloft(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. I have joined as a Follower via GFC.

    Thanks for the giveawaya nd for opening it up to worldwide entries.

    All the best in 2011.

    Carol T

    buddytho {at} gmail dot com

    +2 Follow Amaterasu Reads

    ReplyDelete
  45. Great interview! Thanks for the contest.

    +2 Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/blackplum3/status/21102853682634752
    +2 Sidebar http://blackplume.wordpress.com
    +3 Posted Christmas Countdown Button on your sidebar
    +2 Follow Amaterasu Reads

    Total: 9 entries


    blackplum3@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. I would love to read this :)

    +2 tweet : http://twitter.com/#!/raluk15/status/21528250727534593

    +2 Follow Amaterasu Reads

    raluk.93 at gmail (Dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  47. I follow with GFC. Username: missreneer :)
    Thanks for the great giveaway!

    mrsjohnson1982 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  48. The cover puts me off this book, and I haven't read a blurb/synopsis that made it sound interesting.
    But the reviews I have read were good, and the author seems nice, she gave good answers, so I think I might give this one a try.

    natalie23{at}hotmail[dot]co[dot}uk

    ReplyDelete